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Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable business practices are becoming increasingly important for the environmental, economic and social survival of the tourism industry in New Zealand.
The STAR (Sustainable Tourism Advisors in Regions) project was launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Tourism. Contracts were awarded to 9 STAR regions. Venture HB applied on behalf of Hawke’s Bay and was awarded $88,000 of Ministry funding over a 3 year period. Venture HB allocated an additional $90,000 over 3 years to further support the project. HBWCTA has been contracted by HB Inc. to deliver this project in the region.
If you would like to discuss this sustainability initiative with one of oir STAR Advosors, please call Megan on 833 5880 or by
email.
Target audience of STAR
Tourism operators – primary targets are Qualmark license holders, followed by potential Qualmark license holders, followed by any other business or event in the region which works with tourist/visitors to the region.
STAR objectives:
- Help operators achieve a defined standard of business sustainability
- Help operators identify which actions to focus on to improve their environmental performance
- Ensure more tourism operators visibly deliver on New Zealand’s 100% Pure brand promise
- Facilitate the smooth transition to Qualmark’s Green criteria and increase the uptake of Qualmark by tourism operators (Qualmark are offering 'no joining fee' to businesses who have undergone STAR assessment).
- To speed the transition to a functioning accessible market for tourism sustainability advice.
Key focus areas for STAR are:
- Management – Vision, Action Plan, Monitoring,
- Energy
- Transport
- Waste· Water
- Supply chain/ procurement
- Conservation
- Community (including local Iwi)
- Staff and customers
- Design and future planning
What happens?
From an operator perspective, the Star Framework consists of:
- Sustainability self assessment - template
- Site visit by STAR Advisor
- Sustainability report
- Action plan – template
- Implementation
- Initial Review
Operator Benefits
- Access to established and supported sustainable business advisory service with national links.
- 1:1 assistance and consultation with tourism industry professional
- Opportunity to enhance business performance
- Initial Qualmark registration fee waived for operators who register after undergoing STAR
Services To Be Provided
HBWCTA will provide/deliver:
a) The services of a Sustainable Tourism Advisor who will work with the your business to identify opportunities for improvement in sustainable performance, prioritise actions, implement an action plan and review progress to a maximum of 3 hours;
b) A comprehensive written report to you over the course of the programme that will include the results of a sustainability assessment conducted on your behalf;
c) A follow up 1 hour visit within 8 months of the first visit to review progress against your action plan;
d) Opportunities to attend group workshops introducing sustainable business practice;
e) Opportunities to attend group workshops on focus areas of business sustainability.
f) Access to HB Sustainable Project logo.
Additional adviser time and services will be provided by negotiation, on a fee paying basis.
Reporting Procedures
HBWCTA will report on your organisation’s progress and results to the Ministry of Tourism. Information about your organisation and its practices will not be shared publicly without your written permission.
Project Participation Fee
Includes a Site Visit, Comprehensive Evaluation Report, assistance to prepare an Action Plan and a follow up.
$250 including GST
Additional Advisor Review Fees: $60 per hour (if required)
If you would like more information on the STAR project please
contact us.
